Renowned scholar and public commentator, Prof Adebayo Williams, has accused Tokunbo Pearce of betraying his longstanding friendship with President Bola Tinubu, alleging that the former graduate student had benefited from the President’s support before turning against him.
Williams made the allegation in a statement titled “Re: Tokunbo Pearce & President Bola Tinubu”, shared by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on his X account on Tuesday.
The professor, who said he brought Pearce and Tinubu together, expressed disappointment over what he described as Pearce’s persistent attacks on the President, adding that he had remained silent about the matter for years.
“I feel particularly pained by this because I brought them together and I know all that Tinubu did for him. In fairness to him, the President has never brought up the matter for discussion,” Williams said.
Recounting his relationship with Pearce, Williams said they became close friends while studying at the University of Sheffield in the United Kingdom between 1981 and 1982.
He disclosed that he was a visiting doctoral student and honorary visiting lecturer at the institution’s Department of English, while Pearce was a graduate student.
Williams said he later returned to the then University of Ife to defend his doctoral thesis after spending some time at the University of Buffalo, while Pearce completed his thesis in 1985 before relocating to the United States.
The scholar also recalled accompanying Tinubu to Chicago State University, his alma mater, in 2003, where the former Lagos State governor received what he described as a warm reception from university officials.
According to Williams, the delegation took photographs and received souvenirs during the visit, which he said was inconsistent with the portrayal of Tinubu as a “rogue student”.
He further criticised Pearce, who he claimed was 78, over his alleged attacks on the President, saying desperation had begun to influence his statements and actions.
Williams, however, acknowledged Pearce’s family background, mentioning his late father, Commander Afolabi Pearce, as well as his brothers, retired Navy Captain Femi Pearce and Yomi Pearce.
The professor concluded with a warning to Pearce, saying he would continue to keep certain matters private unless the latter crossed what he considered another line.
“In keeping with where I come from, I assure Toks that all the other secrets are safe with me until he crosses another line,” he said.
Williams’ statement comes amid growing political exchanges and criticism involving Tinubu and his opponents as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections gather momentum.
Tinubu’s educational background, particularly his attendance at Chicago State University, has previously featured prominently in Nigerian political debates.
The university confirmed in 2022 that Tinubu attended the institution from 1977 to 1979 and was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with honours in Accounting in June 1979.
